@Ron_C I think to have a truly in depth view of how “Heaven and Hell” came into the human consciousness then a good starter would be to understand the influence of the Persian religion of Zoroastanism. The jews were in exile there and consequently picked up a lot of the post exile beliefs from this religion.
Heres just a small example below : ( from an article on Zoroastrianism ).
“This is confirmed when Judaism goes on to adopt many doctrines of Zoroastrianism. The Devil, the after life, “good” people go to a “heaven” and “evil” doers go to a place of punishment. These are places which are identical to the “Best” and “Worst” Existences of Mazdayasna.
Doctrines belonging to Zarathushtra´s followers, such as resurrection of the dead, were accepted at this time, at least by the Persian faction, which came to be known as Pharisees (from Persians, Pharsees). More doctrines such as the coming savior became part of Judaism. All these doctrines were to pass from Judaism into Christianity and Islam.”
As you can see this religion had a huge influence on what people came to believe.
On a personal note I was an assistant in the ministry back in the 80’s, but came to see that too many clerics were getting paid good salaries for what I seen was “old rope”
Far from being the servants of the church they were the ones who were benefitting from organised religion,( nice salary, no hard work, nice prestigious job title in being called a reverand etc,) with any awkward questions conveniently being airbrushed out. I just found the whole thing sickening.
People nowadays thankfully have the net to search philosophies for themselves and dont need “guidance” from self-appointed Holy men.